Hopes for smooth elections at universities
The upcoming elections for university rectors are, first and foremost, a test of the democratic principles applied by the academic community as a whole. The elections will tell us just how mature the students and teachers are, and how capable they are of handling the freedoms they are demanding. We will know how ready the academic community is to embrace democratic ideals, depending on whether or not there will be any outbreaks of trouble at the Athens University of Economics and Business. Another key indicator will be whether the administration decides to keep the university doors open despite the threats it is likely to receive from fringe student groups. The elections, which are scheduled to begin on May 20, will mark a new beginning for academic life in Greece, but they can also be a celebration of democracy in the country’s universities. Let us hope that no one tries to mar the process.
